Rugby Championship test match between SOUTH AFRICA and NEW ZEALAND at ELLIS PARK in Johannesburg, South Africa on 04 October 2014. Photo / Anton de Villiers
Rugby Championship test match between SOUTH AFRICA and NEW ZEALAND at ELLIS PARK in Johannesburg, South Africa on 04 October 2014. Photo / Anton de Villiers
There is nothing more special for a Springbok than to play the All Blacks, and to square off against the Old Enemy in a World Cup semifinal is just about as good as it gets for a South African, bar beating them.
That is the view of Springbok openside flankerFrancois Louw, who says the Boks can't wait to play an opponent they respect enormously but do not fear.
South Africa have won only two of their past 10 matches against the New Zealanders, who flattened France 62-13 in Cardiff on Sunday, but have taken heart from a win at Ellis Park last year and a close match at the same venue this year.
"We watched the All Blacks demolishing France with some interest," Louw said. "It was a great performance but they were always going to be favourites against a troubled French side. I thought France would put up more of a fight. I am surprised they lost so heavily, not to take anything away from the All Blacks."
Louw said that although the players were celebrating the victory over Wales, they were already talking about the formidable challenge that lies ahead.
"There are going to be a lot of nerves from both sides," Louw said. "Both sides know each other's capabilities. They won't write us off and will be as excited about the game as we are. There is a personal rivalry between the teams that adds something extra, and I know they feel the same way."
Louw was responsible for one of the Boks' two serious injuries that came out of the hard-fought game against Wales, having accidently stood on the hand of hooker Bismarck du Plessis. Team doctor Craig Roberts said that he had stitched up Du Plessis' hand but the hooker was in too much pain and had to come off.
The other player likely to be bracketed when the team is announced is Lood de Jager who injured his foot.
